Lets Talk: UG Street Food

October 21, 2014October 21, 2014 ~ Sophie ~ Leave a comment

There is something about street food that is so mind-blowing. I believe street food is where you get the most random flavors…all which stick to the back of your mind. The thing about street food is that you totally have no idea who is preparing it(you are probably not going to speak to or see that person ever again!) and where it comes from but just trusting your instincts and dropping the ‘clean-freak’ for once, you indulge. Often times the taste is way beyond what words can describe (true story). The other day I was talking to my sister and she said that the best way to taste a region/country’s food is by going to the streets and indulging in the street food. It doesn’t hurt if it is done once, right? One thing is for sure though, it is definitely addicting (is that the right word?).

So today, I dare you to try some street food… OK. Maybe not, but I want to know, what street foods do you like here in Uganda and why?
My favorite by the way is fried Cassava, pancakes, rolex, roast maize/corn and mandazi. Talk about carb overload!

Seriously though, comment below to share street foods you like here in Uganda and why.

🙂

Sophie

African Food

October 15, 2014October 15, 2014 ~ Sophie ~ 4 Comments

Its been over three months since I started this food-blogging journey and boy have I learned a lot. Clearly in the beginning I didn’t know what I was getting myself into! One thing I have noticed recently is the fact that almost all food that identifies with this nation is made with ingredients fresh from the garden (read: Not processed). I have come to appreciate the fact that in a day’s meal, there will be a dish that is made entirely from ingredients from the backyard. I have been enjoying cooking with cherry tomatoes,maize(corn), spring onions, freshly grown rosemary, lemon grass and the classic amaranthus that will always be readily available. It brings a whole new meaning to food and its benefit to the human body. I guess that is one thing that will always be special about African food. It is an amazing and fulfilling experience. Another thing I noticed, a theme carried throughout African cooking is that we Africans are lovers of comfort food. And maybe the word comfort is relative but one thing is for sure we love comfortable hearty meals. From the south to the west and from the north to the east you will realize that food is meant to be enjoyed. And this is a good thing really because it is what sets us apart (read: unique) from everything else. The fact that more than often times, local fresh ingredients are used is incredible in its self because you end up shooting two birds with one arrow. Right? Having hearty filling meals before you made with the freshest and possibly most organic ingredients available! I am incredibly humbled to be eating this kind of food almost on a daily basis. So this post right here is written in appreciation for the African cuisine. I have been wandering in the blog world and have discovered amazing blogs lately that showcase African cooking. If you have time, don’t hesitate to check them out.

What have you discovered about African cuisine that is so intriguing?

I hope you are having a great week!

🙂

Sophie

Stir-Fry Green Beans with Roast Peanuts

October 8, 2014November 25, 2014 ~ Sophie ~ 1 Comment

October is upon us people and with everything around green, it’s not hard to find green beans at the market stalls. Beans are a common side dish but eating them in their premature stage is not usual in Uganda. In fact, after much thought, I have come to realize that I’ve not seen a fellow Ugandan buying green beans from the market ( but maybe it is me only…hmm). The day brought it’s self when there were green beans, roasted peanuts, purple onions, carrots, garlic, and a plentiful supply of spring onions from the garden. So we were like, why not fusion?! Drawing inspiration from African cuisine and East Asian cuisine we developed the stir-fry green beans with roasted peanuts recipe; really easy to pull together. The awesomeness of still crisp green beans and slightly sweet carrot, followed by the roasted peanut fried in garlic, and occasionally biting into a sliced, nearly tender, purple onion or a long-cut spring onion… Perfected with white rice.

What you’ll need:

Method

First off, on high heat, pour three tablespoons (or an equivalent) of cooking oil in a pan and add salt. After the oil has heated up, add the garlic and let it brown. Next add the crushed peanuts, stirring briskly. Next add the green beans and keep stirring. After a minute, add the spring onions. Next add the carrots and keep stirring for 5 minutes to make sure everything cooks evenly. After add the onions and sprinkle some sugar then continue stirring for two more minutes. Remove from fire and let cool. Serve with rice (or just eat them like that ha! I can do that!).

So what new thing are you trying this month? Let me know in the comments below.

🙂

Sophie